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Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his 11-season career with the New York Jets, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time.

“Sadly, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Storied NFL Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center led an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was highly respected and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a statement. “He was the soul of our O-line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, known for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and engaging character. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his career were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape young men into men and teach the sport of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he praised his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and network behind me.”